Old Crossleyans RUFC

Crocs Facing Relegation Play-Off After Narrow Defeat at Moortown

Old Crossleyans’ fate in Regional 2 North East was effectively sealed on Saturday as a narrow 14-10 defeat away at Moortown made a relegation play-off appearance almost certain. Coming off the back of a one-point loss to Malton and Norton two weeks ago, the visitors were desperate to turn pressure into points, but they were ultimately left to reflect on what might have been.

The match began under a mix of sunshine and showers with Crocs showing early intent. An early chance to take the lead from the tee was missed, but the breakthrough arrived shortly after. Jack Hammond showed great awareness to pounce on a loose Moortown pass, making significant yards before unselfishly offloading to Josh Hunt, who outpaced the cover to score. The conversion went wide, leaving the score at 0-5.

Moortown responded immediately with a converted try—despite strong appeals from the visitors for a forward pass—and extended their lead to 14-5 before the interval after successfully mauling over from a five-meter lineout.

The second half was a story of physical dominance without the finishing touch. Crocs spent long periods camped on the Moortown line, driven by powerful carries from Brockson Brown and Sbulelo Roji. However, the visitors were denied by the narrowest of margins on two separate occasions, with the ball being dislodged in the act of diving over the line.

Persistence finally paid off with 13 minutes remaining when Dan Smith spotted a gap in the midfield to glide over for a try, bringing Crocs within four points at 14-10. Despite a sensational last-ditch interception by Alex Thompson and a frantic final siege, the hosts held firm. In a confusing conclusion, the referee blew for full-time without playing injury time, leaving Crocs with only a losing bonus point.

With Wetherby winning elsewhere and only one game remaining, Old Crossleyans are now mathematically unable to break out of the bottom three. While a win in their final fixture could see them leapfrog Pontefract into 10th, both positions lead to the relegation play-off.

Tries: Hunt, Smith